Finding the best gluten free eats in New Westminster

Hub Restaurant: Amazing Gluten Free Burgers with a View

Who doesn’t love to sink their teeth into a hot, juicy burger fresh off the grill? When I lived in Vancouver, I frequented a restaurant two blocks away that did amazing gluten free burgers. When I moved to New Westminster and that restaurant closed down, I was convinced I’d never again find a burger that measured up. But it turns out that thick, flavourful, gluten free burgers are no further away than Hub Restaurant in New Westminster Station!

Gluten Free Options at Hub:

The burgers: Their house-made burger patties don’t use breadcrumbs (or any gluten) as a binder, so they’re gluten free. They’re also thick, juicy, and perfectly spiced. If you’re in the mood for a basic burger, the Hub Burger will definitely satisfy. My personal favourite is the Yankee Burger, which comes with smoky bacon and a mountain of cheddar. For a bit of a kick, try the Crack Burger. Just make sure to ask for no onion rings.

The buns: Where there’s gluten free burgers, there’s gluten free buns! But they’re not limited to being paired with a burger. Hub’s sandwiches and wraps are also available on the gluten free buns.

The sandwiches and wraps: Hub is extremely accommodating when it comes to gluten free modifications to their sandwiches and wraps. The crispy chicken sandwich and crispy fish wrap can be done without breading, and can be served on a gluten free bun. If you see a sandwich you like, all you have to do is ask about a gluten free option!

The wok squid: This succulent appetizer can be made gluten free. Just ask for no breading.

The chicken wings: Although they’re normally dusted with flour, the chicken wings can easily be made gluten free.

The salads: Most of the salads don’t contain gluten, but watch out for things like wontons and panini crisps. These can be left off for gluten free diners.

The salmon: The salmon is paired with quinoa and seasonal vegetables, which makes it a fresh gluten free choice.

The beef: Hub offers two different beef entrees that can be made suitable for gluten free diners. Just make sure to let your server know you’re gluten free, because modifications may be necessary.

The fries and yam fries: These are “proceed with caution” dishes. Although the fries and yam fries are not battered, they are cooked in the same deep fryer as gluten-containing ingredients. This means that cross contamination is possible, and could affect people with severe Celiac disease. If you don’t want to risk it, I suggest the Hub salad instead.

The drinks: Hub is known for its selection of craft beer, but they also offer Omission Pale Ale, which is a gluten free beer from Portland. If you’re not into beer, they have a range of cider and other drinks to sip on.

What to Watch Out For:

The pasta: Hub doesn’t carry gluten free noodles, so the mac and cheese and cajun fettuccini are off the menu for gluten free diners.

The flatbread: It sounds fresh and delicious, but unfortunately, it’s not gluten free.

The poutine: Although cheese curds and crispy bacon might sound tempting, the gravy is not gluten free.

The onion rings: Hub is more than willing to leave the batter and breading off of their items. But unless you’d like a plate of fried onions, it doesn’t make much sense to ask for gluten free onion rings. Of course, if you do want a plate of onions, there’s no judgement here!

The caesars: Hub offers a variety of caesars, but they’re made with Worcestershire sauce, which usually contains gluten. If you don’t mind an alteration in the flavour, you can request a caesar without Worcestershire.

The Service:

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive before my first visit to Hub, because their menu only made a small reference to gluten free buns. But since then, I’ve been consistently impressed with their knowledge and willingness to accommodate gluten free diners. They train their staff on gluten free modifications, and make sure to let customers know that cross contamination could occur in the deep fryer. On a recent visit, they let me know that brand new servers may not be as familiar with gluten free modifications, but that they always have someone on duty who is. On very busy nights, service can be a little bit slow, but that’s to be expected when the restaurant is full.

The Restaurant:

Hub is located right in New Westminster Station, just by the platform. It’s a lofty, modern space, with large windows overlooking the river. Seating ranges from large semicircular booths, to bar seats, to longer tables with bench seating. They can accommodate large or small groups, and you can make reservations directly through their website. But the best seats in the house are available in warm weather, on their incredible patio. The distinctive red umbrellas can be seen from the Quay and the River Market. From your perch high up in New Westminster Station, you get a prime view of the river, the bridges, and the nearby market. All that and delicious gluten free eats!

The Verdict:

Don’t let the menu fool you! Hub has gluten free options aplenty, and all you have to do is let the staff know about your dietary needs. The staff is friendly, the space is beautiful, and the location can’t be beat.

Happy burger devouring!

If this is your business and your gluten free options have changed, please let me know! My goal is to provide the most up to date information on New Westminster’s gluten free choices.